Featured Video – General Overview

A driver’s license revocation can impact many aspects of a person’s life. A lot of clients hire my office because they need to drive for work, whether that means driving to and from their workplace, or getting to various job sites for their employment. In other cases, clients have more personalized reasons for wanting to drive, such as caring for a loved one, taking their children to activities, or simply wanting to run errands without the hassle of looking for a ride.

Can I go to another state to get a license if my driver’s license is revoked in Illinois?

March 5, 2025

Generally, the Secretary of State does not allow a revoked driver to attend a hearing while they have a pending ticket. The only exception is when the pending ticket is the reason for the current loss of driving privileges. If a person has a pending ticket, such as a Driving on a Revoked License charge, the case must be closed in court prior to a hearing. A case is “closed” when a finding of guilt or innocence has been made in court. A case is not “pending” if a revoked driver is merely serving their sentence after a guilty finding.

Can a revoked driver attend an Illinois driver’s license hearing with a pending traffic ticket?

March 5, 2025

Generally, the Secretary of State does not allow a revoked driver to attend a hearing while they have a pending ticket. The only exception is when the pending ticket is the reason for the current loss of driving privileges. If a person has a pending ticket, such as a Driving on a Revoked License charge, the case must be closed in court prior to a hearing. A case is “closed” when a finding of guilt or innocence has been made in court. A case is not “pending” if a revoked driver is merely serving their sentence after a guilty finding.

Will a DUI Conviction Revoke my Illinois Driver’s License?

March 3, 2025

Under Illinois law, the Secretary of State is required to revoke a driver’s license when they receive a report of a DUI conviction from a court. Unlike a suspension, an Illinois driver’s license revocation is infinite. To obtain an Illinois driver’s license after a revocation, a person must be proactive. The Secretary will not automatically reinstate a license on the “projected reinstatement eligibility date.” In Illinois, a revoked driver must attend a license reinstatement hearing to demonstrate that they have made sufficient lifestyle changes to safely drive again.

Can the Illinois Secretary of State Overturn a DUI Conviction?

February 25, 2025

In this video, we explain the different functions of the court and the Secretary of State when a driver’s license is being revoked. Both play a part in the revocation process, but their roles are not similar. The court determines if a person is guilty of DUI and may sentence a client to a conviction. Upon receiving notice of a DUI conviction, it is the duty of the Secretary of State to revoke an Illinois driver’s license. The Secretary of State cannot overturn a guilty finding nor can they vacate a DUI conviction.  

The Difference Between Illinois Driver’s License Suspensions and Revocations

February 17, 2025

For over twenty years, our Chicago law practice has been representing revoked drivers at Illinois license reinstatement hearings. In this video, we explain the difference between an Illinois driver’s license suspension and revocation. Although many people use these words interchangeably, a suspension and revocation are different in many respects. A driver’s license suspension is a temporary loss of driving privileges – it should have a specific date that it is scheduled to terminate.

The Difference Between Formal & Informal Illinois Driver’s License Reinstatement Hearings

February 15, 2025

In this video, we explain the difference between informal and formal hearings with the Illinois Secretary of State. The reason for a license suspension or revocation determines the type of hearing that is required to request driving privileges. Informal hearings are intended for minor suspensions or revocations, such as having too many traffic tickets in a specific period. Informal hearings are held at many driver’s services locations on a walk-in basis. At an informal hearing, the hearing officer meets with the applicant and their attorney in an office setting.

Can a Person Get an Illinois DUI Without Driving a Vehicle?

February 14, 2025

In this video, our office answers a common question: Can a person get a DUI when they are not driving a vehicle?

Generally, the answer is “Yes.” Under Illinois law, it is unlawful to drive or be in “actual physical control” of any vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

A person does not need to drive or intend to drive to be in “actual physical control” of a vehicle.